Sumatriptan 5mg Nasal Spray(6 Spr)
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To get the most benefit from this medication, use it exactly as directed by your doctor. Carefully read all the information provided with your prescription, and follow the instructions closely. If your headache does not improve after the first dose, consult with your doctor. If your headache improves but then returns, or if you only experience partial relief, you may take a second dose if your doctor has instructed you to do so. Be sure to understand how many hours you should wait before taking another dose, including if you used a different form of this medication for the first dose.
Important Administration Instructions
This medication is for nasal use only. Do not take it by mouth. Avoid getting the medication in your mouth or eyes, as it may cause burning. Use this medication as soon as possible after the onset of a headache attack. Before using, sit down and blow your nose to ensure proper administration.
Storage and Disposal
Store this medication at room temperature, avoiding refrigeration or freezing.
Missed Dose Instructions
Since this medication is taken as needed, you do not need to worry about missing a dose. However, do not take more frequent doses than prescribed by your doctor.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Use at the first sign of a migraine or cluster headache attack, but not for prevention.
- Do not use more than directed. Wait at least 2 hours between doses.
- Do not use if you have certain heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or a history of stroke.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, especially antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs) or other migraine medications.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
- Sumatriptan 100mg Tablets
- Sumatriptan 25mg Tablets
- Sumatriptan 50mg Tablets
- Sumatriptan 6mg/0.5ml Pf Inj2x0.5ml
- Sumatriptan 50mg Tablets
- Sumatriptan 6mg/0.5ml Vial For Inj
- Sumatriptan 6mg/0.5ml Pf Inj2x0.5ml
- Sumatriptan 25mg Tablets
- Sumatriptan 5mg Nasal Spray (6 Spr)
- Sumatriptan 4mg/0.5ml Inj 2x0.5ml
- Sumatriptan 4mg/0.5 Inj, 0.5ml
- Sumatriptan 6mg/0.5 Inj, 0.5ml
- Sumatriptan 5mg Nasal Spray(6 Spr)
- Sumatriptan 20mg Nasal Spray(6 Spr)
- Sumatriptan 5mg Nasal Spray(6 Spr)
- Sumatriptan 6mg/0.5ml Pf Inj2x0.5ml
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Note: In rare cases, allergic reactions can be fatal.
Signs of high blood pressure, including:
+ Severe headache
+ Dizziness
+ Fainting
+ Changes in eyesight
Seizures
Loss of eyesight (which can be long-lasting)
Abnormal sensations, such as:
+ Burning
+ Numbness
+ Tingling
Discoloration of the skin, lips, nail beds, fingers, or toes (blue or gray)
Gastrointestinal issues, including:
+ Diarrhea
+ Constipation
+ Severe stomach pain
+ Bloody diarrhea
Other symptoms, such as:
+ Belly pain after meals
+ Fever
+ Weight loss
+ Cramps and pain in legs or hips
+ Feeling of heaviness or tightness in the leg muscles
+ Feeling cold
+ Burning or aching pain in the feet or toes
Serotonin Syndrome: A Potentially Life-Threatening Condition
There is a risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a severe and potentially deadly condition, especially when taking certain other medications. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
Agitation
Changes in balance
Confusion
Hallucinations
Fever
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Flushing
Muscle twitching or stiffness
Seizures
Shivering or shaking
Excessive sweating
Severe diarrhea
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Severe headache
Brain Blood Vessel Problems: A Rare but Serious Condition
In rare cases, this medication can cause brain blood vessel problems, including stroke. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
Weakness on one side of the body
Trouble speaking or thinking
Changes in balance
Drooping on one side of the face
Changes in eyesight
Other Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to contact your doctor if you notice any of the following:
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Fatigue
Weakness
Flushing
Feeling of warmth
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Changes in taste
Burning sensations
Nose or throat irritation
Reporting Side Effects
If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Sudden or severe chest pain, jaw pain, or neck pain/tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Slurred speech
- Vision changes
- Severe stomach pain or bloody diarrhea
- Signs of serotonin syndrome: agitation, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Allergic reaction: rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ High blood pressure
+ Liver disease
A history of specific health problems, such as:
+ Chest pain or pressure
+ Diseased arteries in the legs or arms
+ Heart attack
+ Heart disease
+ Poor blood flow in the heart, brain, bowel, or kidney
+ Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
+ Certain types of migraines, including hemiplegic or basilar migraines
+ Abnormal heart rhythms, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
Recent use of certain antidepressant medications, including isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine, within the last 14 days. Taking this medication within 14 days of these drugs can cause severe high blood pressure.
Concurrent use of another medication containing the same active ingredient.
Use of other medications for migraines, such as almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, or zolmitriptan, within the last 24 hours.
* Use of ergotamine, methysergide, dihydroergotamine, or similar medications within the last 24 hours.
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems. Ensure that it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication.
Before engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving, wait until you understand how this medication affects you.
Monitor your blood pressure regularly, as prescribed by your doctor, because this medication can cause high blood pressure.
Note that this medication is not intended to prevent or reduce the frequency of migraine headaches. If you experience a headache that is different from your typical migraine, consult your doctor before taking this medication.
Be cautious not to exceed the dosage prescribed by your doctor, as taking more of this medication than recommended can worsen your headaches.
If you have risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, being overweight, having high blood sugar or diabetes, smoking, being a male over 40 years old, having a family history of early heart disease, or being a postmenopausal female, exercise caution and discuss these risks with your doctor.
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening heart problems, including heart attack and abnormal heartbeat, within a few hours of taking it. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as chest, throat, neck, or jaw tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness; cold sweats; shortness of breath; rapid or irregular heartbeat; or severe dizziness or fainting.
If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks to you and your baby.
Special Considerations for Children
This medication is not approved for use in children. However, your doctor may determine that the benefits of taking this medication outweigh the risks for your child. If your child has been prescribed this medication, ask your doctor about the potential benefits and risks, and discuss any concerns you may have.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Convulsions
- Tremor
- Inactivity
- Redness of extremities
- Reduced respiratory rate
- Cyanosis
- Ataxia
- Mydriasis
- Paralysis
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number. For poison control, call 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 2 weeks of discontinuing MAOIs
- Ergot-type medications (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine) or within 24 hours of sumatriptan
- Other 5-HT1 agonists (triptans) or within 24 hours of sumatriptan
Major Interactions
- SSRIs/SNRIs (risk of serotonin syndrome)
- St. John's Wort (risk of serotonin syndrome)
Moderate Interactions
- Propranolol (may increase sumatriptan levels, though not clinically significant for oral sumatriptan, caution with nasal)
- Cimetidine (may increase sumatriptan levels)
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To identify underlying cardiovascular disease, which is a contraindication or requires careful consideration due to risk of vasospasm.
Timing: Prior to initiating therapy, especially in patients with risk factors.
Rationale: To ensure controlled hypertension, as uncontrolled hypertension is a contraindication.
Timing: Prior to initiating therapy.
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Periodically, especially if patient has hypertension or risk factors.
Target: Within normal limits or patient's controlled range.
Action Threshold: Significant elevation or uncontrolled hypertension; consider discontinuation.
Frequency: Monitor closely, especially if co-administered with SSRIs/SNRIs.
Target: Absence of symptoms.
Action Threshold: Agitation, hallucinations, tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia, hyperreflexia, incoordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; discontinue sumatriptan and supportive care.
Frequency: During and after administration.
Target: Absence of severe or persistent symptoms.
Action Threshold: Severe, persistent, or worsening symptoms; evaluate for cardiac ischemia.
Symptom Monitoring
- Chest pain or tightness
- Jaw or neck tightness/pain
- Dizziness
- Tingling/numbness (paresthesia)
- Warm sensation
- Flushing
- Nasal discomfort/irritation
- Unusual taste
- Signs of serotonin syndrome (agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, fever, sweating, muscle rigidity, tremors, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Signs of allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Limited human data suggest no increased risk of major birth defects, but animal studies show some developmental toxicity at high doses.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Sumatriptan is excreted into breast milk. Infant exposure is low. Consider avoiding breastfeeding for 12 hours after a dose to minimize infant exposure, or use an alternative triptan with less milk transfer.
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy not established in patients under 18 years of age. Not recommended for pediatric use.
Geriatric Use
Use with caution due to higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease and potential for decreased renal/hepatic function. Consider lower initial doses and careful monitoring.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Sumatriptan nasal spray is effective for acute treatment of migraine and cluster headaches, offering a faster onset of action than oral forms.
- It is crucial to rule out underlying cardiovascular disease before initiating sumatriptan due to its vasoconstrictive effects.
- Patients should be advised to use the nasal spray at the first sign of a headache attack, but not for prevention.
- Counsel patients on the proper administration technique for nasal spray to ensure optimal absorption and efficacy.
- Warn patients about the potential for serotonin syndrome when co-administered with SSRIs, SNRIs, or other serotonergic drugs.
- Do not use within 24 hours of other triptans or ergotamine-containing medications.
Alternative Therapies
- Other triptans (e.g., zolmitriptan nasal spray, rizatriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan)
- CGRP receptor antagonists (e.g., rimegepant, ubrogepant)
- Ditans (e.g., lasmiditan)
- NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Acetaminophen
- Ergotamine/dihydroergotamine (for severe, refractory migraines)
- Anti-emetics (e.g., metoclopramide, prochlorperazine) for associated nausea/vomiting